Several years ago, someone gave me an apple cake from Mr Ritts gluten-free bakery. I can’t really describe it, as it was different than most other cakes I’d ever had, but it was exceptionally delicious. Once we polished off the light and fluffy cake, I contacted the bakery about ordering it but it was not cost effective to do so. I assumed that one day the products would be sold here since I’d read rave reviews on many products made in what is considered to be the original gluten-free bakery, but that never happened.

Recently, the owners of Mr. Ritts bakery sent out a notice that after 11 years in business, the company is closing down. The owners did everything possible to stay open, but in this economy with rising costs and more competition than ever, it just wasn’t feasible to continue doing what they love. They will be baking through the month of May at least and then selling off ingredients in June. Preorders are being accepted now.

The future of the gluten-free market strong – no doubt – but that does not mean that all the companies making products today will be open in five years. Some of the big mainstream companies will jump out of the gluten-free game as fast as they came in. Some actually, don’t think it’s worth jumping in at all. With “so called” trend forecasters selling companies a report that says the gluten-free fad is already on the way out, that’s understandable. We know we’re not going away, but Con-Agra might not.

Some of the companies that exist today will certainly thrive. Some will be bought by larger companies and others simply won’t survive. It’s sad to see a place like Mr. Ritts closing down, but it’s doubtful that will be the only gluten-free company closing in the next couple of years. Like it or not, large companies that can make a ton of food for less money than the “little guys” will hurt many companies. The ingredients that larger companies use might not be as healthy, but many people are more concerned with paying less than buying healthier products. You can support smaller gluten-free bakeries by checking the Restaurant Guide for listings of stores in your area.

Below are just some of the items the bakery is selling at at wholesale (or below) prices. The full list can be found on the Mr. Ritts website.

We can — and we did, in The Essential Gluten-Free Grocery Guide. Our compact, user-friendly grocery guide will help you shop with confidence. We’ve included products from popular name brands and store brands. Having a barbeque? Turn to our "hot dog" section and find out which brands, like Oscar Mayer and Hormel, are gluten-free. Craving gluten-free crackers? We’ve got over 76 types, some of which may surprise you. Stop being stumped with the newest Essential Gluten-Free Grocery Guide.

There are 2 comments…

I’ve been diagnosed with CD just over a year now and recently found Mr. Ritts bakery items. I bought 5 lbs of flour and found it is the best for making pie crust and pizzalles. I am bringing some pies to a party and need to know if there are nuts of any kind in this mix because there is someone highly allergic to nuts coming to the party.
thanks for the information. I can get nothing off the site-in fact it is blank. I’m sorry to see they have gone out of business.
joan

I’ve been diagnosed with CD just over a year now and recently found Mr. Ritts bakery items. I bought 5 lbs of flour and found it is the best for making pie crust and pizzalles. I am bringing some pies to a party and need to know if there are nuts of any kind in this mix because there is someone highly allergic to nuts coming to the party.
thanks for the information. I can get nothing off the site-in fact it is blank. I’m sorry to see they have gone out of business.
joan